Choosing mini cotbed will look stunning in the Scandi nursery. It is also very flexible because it comes with three different mattress support heights. Additionally, it can be converted into a toddler's bed.
Bassinets are a better choice for those with a small home. Cribs can take up more space. Many parents choose a crib because of security concerns.
Safety
The health and well-being of your baby's child is contingent on the crib you select. You must ensure that it is in compliance with current safety standards and is free from hazards that may cause harm to your child as they sleep. It should be well-constructed and sturdy, without loose pieces that could get caught on clothing or pose danger of choking. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly and use, and to regularly check the crib for signs of wear or damage.
Check the distance between the slats. It should not be more than 2 and 3/4 inches apart to prevent your baby from being able to get their head or limbs trapped between them. You must also be able to easily reach and see your baby's crib. If not see, the slats need to be broader and not as close to each other.
Another aspect of the crib that you should be aware of is the mattress support system. It should be adjustable so you can lower the mattress of your crib as your child grows. This will reduce the risk that your child will climb out of the crib once they begin to crawl.
Other safety features to consider include an upholstered sheet that fits the mattress in a secure way as well as an enduring and solid construction. You should also choose a crib that has fixed sides, rather than one with drop sides, which can be hazardous for your baby. It is also recommended to share a room as your baby for the first six months or so, and then move them into their own bedroom once they are old enough to be supervised when they sleep on their own.
Last but not least, make sure the crib is placed away from radiators and windows, and that any hanging objects such as blind cords or curtains are out of reach. Also, you should remove any items that could pose the risk of choking like pillows or blankets. Be cautious when buying second-hand cribs as they may not be in compliance with current safety standards, or have been recalls.
Design
Although cribs may appear the same, it is crucial to remember that every crib must adhere to strict safety guidelines. This is why the majority of the cribs we reviewed are of a similar design to ensure consistency in terms of structural quality. Most cribs have circular bars that do not have gaps or rough surfaces that could entangle the baby or squeeze them. We also tested each crib and rated it based on its ease of use and assembly. We suggest choosing the crib with less parts to avoid confusion.
The Evolur Sprout crib is among our top picks. It is stylish contemporary design and is available in a variety of colors, including two-tone options. It also comes with an all-inclusive mattress fit and is Greenguard Gold certified to have minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas into the nursery.
Stork Craft Equinox 3 in 1 is a different option. The crib is sleek, modern and minimal in appearance. It's perfect for modern nurseries. The crib is available in a variety of finishes and comes with four different mattress heights, meaning your baby can use it from the time of birth to toddler. The crib was stable and sturdy. It did not flex or creak when a heavy child was seated.
If you're thinking of having more children, you might be interested in a convertible crib. These options can be transformed into a toddler's bed and then into a larger mattress, giving you excellent value for money. The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is an example of a convertible crib that earned excellent marks from our parents who tested it. The side rails that slide down were praised by many parents for making feeding at night safer and easier. They also stated that the crib offered enough space for their baby to sleep comfortably while dad and mom slept.
If you are looking for a classic style DaVinci's Carter's Colby 4-in-1 crib is a good choice. It is less expensive than the Stork Craft, and it has a timeless design that is compatible with most nursery decors. It has three different mattress heights however some parents and toddlers might feel it is a bit low.
Mattress
A crib mattress that can be cleaned will be useful for infants. Baby spills and other accidents can make mattresses damp and filthy, leading to mildew and bacterial infections that could affect infants. Find a mattress cover that can be wiped down with cloths or cleaned with mild cleaner. You should also pick a mattress cover with a waterproof material to stop fluids from seeping into the mattress and causing health issues.
Look for a mattress rated for up to 10 years, so that it can be used for toddlers. Many of the mattresses we've reviewed here are reversible, with toddler and infant sides. This lets you use them from birth up until your child is ready for their own bed.
A firm mattress for the crib is ideal because it can support their spines while they're developing. A super-firm sleeping surface can also reduce the chance of SIDS. This is because mattresses that are soft increase the chance that a baby's head will sink into it.
If you are looking for a firm crib mattress be sure to examine the label to make sure that it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. The CPSC requires that mattresses be tested for waterproofing and flammability as well as lead and other chemicals which could pose a risk to babies. There are also certifications like Greenguard, GOTS and CertiPUR-US which are a good indicator that the mattress has been examined for the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage infants their nervous and respiratory systems.
The weight of the crib mattress is another thing to consider. Regular nighttime sheet changes require you to move and lift the mattress. If you have difficulty lifting heavy objects or don't want take on a heavy product then consider getting a lighter crib mattress. Newton Wovenaire, for example is only 8 pounds, while Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress – Dual Firmness weighs 20lbs. This makes it one of the heavier mattresses in this review. It's also made of foam rather than woven-core inners, which makes it more maneuverable when compared to traditional coil mattresses that weigh more.
Assembly
New parents will appreciate a crib that's easy to build. Choose a crib with hardware that's firmly secured with no sharp edges or rough spots that could irritate your baby's skin. Avoid cribs that have drop-sides and headboard/footboard cuts -- these items aren't in compliance with the current safety standards.
If you're looking for a crib, bear in mind that you'll likely require a toddler bed conversion kit (if you decide to purchase a convertible crib). These kits are sold separately by a majority of manufacturers. They're typically inexpensive, and they'll aid your child's transition to a larger bed more smoothly.
Convertible cribs are an excellent investment for families who have multiple children. They've been designed to last, and they can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or full-size beds.
The DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1 Crib is a solid wood crib that's GREENGUARD Gold Certified and has four mattress-level heights. It is available in slate grey or white to complement any nursery decor. The crib comes with locks that let you easily move it from room to place and fits the majority of standard twin mattresses. Our testers found this crib to be very simple to assemble - it took 23 minutes to complete.
The Sprout Crib, another top-rated crib is made from sustainably harvested Baltic birch. It meets all U.S. safety standards, in addition to the standards of Australia, Canada and Europe. It also has a stylish minimalist design that doesn't clash with any bedroom decor. The Sprout crib is among the lighter cribs that we tested, weighing only 6kg. It's easy to move and comes with a handy bag for travel.
The Oeuf Modern Crib, which was a runner-up during our tests, is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine. It has been awarded numerous awards from various parenting magazines like BabyCenter and Babble. It has a medium height profile and can be converted from an infant crib into a toddler bed with or without a rail. It's easy to assemble and has lots of aesthetic appeal, but the slender finish is susceptible to scratches when used regularly.